Chapter 422 - Still Far Away
Going with the flow was one thing, but neither Sora nor I were overflowing with the energy or vitality for a sudden long journey.
For better or worse, we were still basking in the sense of accomplishment and exhaustion from the other day. It seemed our activities here in the virtual world would remain on the lighter side for a little while longer.
So, what to do? As we strolled around, playing at being suspicious figures under our matching stealth cloaks, we casually discussed our destination. Unusually, Sora herself offered a suggestion—or rather, a request—which was approved without a second thought.
She wanted me to help her practice her avatar control.
Apparently, after witnessing my all-out, full-power maneuvers in the back-to-back battles against [Angalta, God-Wedge Sword-King] and [Tsarkalv of the White Throne], she had been inspired to polish her own physical control and precision.
It was a little strange to have her use me as a benchmark, since I'm fully aware of how absurd I've become in many ways, but a desire for self-improvement is always a good thing.
Besides, Sora's own control—though leaning more towards thought-based operation than physical—is already quite formidable. But if she wants to aim even higher, I have no reason to refuse my assistance.
...And so.
"—There, I've caught you."
"Euu...h!"
As soon as my message to her went through, I escorted Sora to my master's castle.
I was the one she asked, so shouldn't I be the one helping her? The thought did cross my mind for a moment, but since the 'best teacher' happened to be free, relying on her was clearly the best—and most beneficial—course of action.
Sora is a huge fan of the [Sword Saint], after all. She was already getting relentlessly put through her paces in that 'game of tag,' but she couldn't quite hide the pleased look on her face.
She could enjoy herself to her heart's content. I'd just stay on the side and humbly swing my blade—or so I thought, until it seemed they were taking a break.
They must have gone through about fifty rounds. After checking on Sora, who had collapsed against the special training ring's enclosure, my master walked over to me.
"How is my partner doing?"
"Her potential is limitless, I'd say."
The assessment, delivered with a gentle smile, was one I felt was perfectly suited for that girl. And to think, she's still so, so far from her peak.
"And how are you doing, Haru-kun?"
"So-so, I guess."
"Honestly."
"Ah... well then, I'm in a total slump."
However, that excludes my original form—it's simply a matter of not being used to my transformed body yet.
The height and weight are different, the center of gravity is different, and even the skeletal structure feels like a completely different person's.
I'm sure the system's assistance is helping, because I have no problem with normal movements. But I can't shake the subtle inconsistencies that pop up here and there, which could potentially cause fatal errors in the delicate body control required during combat.
So, here I am, swinging a katana even in a woman's body, trying to recalibrate my senses.
"...Hehe."
And there was my master, watching me and letting out a soft chuckle.
Yes, I know. The sight of a stoic-faced girl in an absurdly girly outfit swinging a katana is a surreal picture, made even more so by the fact that it's me on the inside.
...Or so I thought, but I wonder if she read my mind and interpreted it differently.
"I'm not teasing you. I was just admiring your growth."
"Am I... growing? At this very moment, it feels more like I'm devolving..."
"That's not true."
It wasn't self-deprecation or modesty, just an honest question, but she cut me off sharply. Understanding the gesture of her outstretched hand, I passed her my [Samidorizuki]—
"........................Haaah..."
She took two, three steps away, and then swung the blade with a naturalness as if she were simply walking. I was instantly captivated. It wasn't even a sword dance; it was a soft flash, like a gentle breeze.
It was the form of Kesshiki Ittoryu she had taught me, the state of becoming one with the blade.
"—This is my sword. But your sword, Haru-kun, is changing bit by bit."
"...I'm aware."
And yet, the foundation she had planted within me was gradually... with every battle, truly little by little, its form was beginning to change.
To me, I had perceived that as a 'deviation' and worried about it—
"That is growth. It is proof that you are beginning to sublimate the sword I passed on to you into a sword that is uniquely your own."
"............"
I may not be as extreme as a certain fanboy samurai, but I'm aware that somewhere in my heart, I've also put her and 'Kesshiki Ittoryu' on a pedestal.
That's why, when her teachings began to transform within me, I couldn't help but feel it was a 'deterioration' rather than growth or refinement. Of course, I could never say such a thing out loud.
"—Haru-kun."
I couldn't say it, and yet.
When it came to the sword... to the katana, there was no way I could hide my doubts from this person.
"Proceed without hesitation. I want to see the sword that lies at the end of your path."
"...Understood."
I took back the offered [Samidorizuki] and couldn't help but bow my head, which she then gently patted. Please don't do that; my partner is definitely watching.
"Hehe... Now then, let us see."
With a mischievous smile, Ui-san slipped past me and walked towards the ring where Sora was. Urged on by the look in her eyes from over her shoulder, I followed—
"Since we're all here, how about a serious match for the first time in a while?"
"Eh?"
"To spice things up, a two-on-one with you two against me also sounds enjoyable, don't you think?"
"Eh..."
That sudden, playful suggestion was delivered in a voice of utmost calm and gentleness.
Later, Sora, having recovered from her exhaustion, and I challenged the [Sword Saint] to a 'friendly match'—I'm sure I don't need to tell you how that ended.
It seemed the back of my great and small master was still far, far in the distance.
For the record, no threads were used.